Materials and Methods: This study included 101 subjects (46 men, 55 women) from dental patients who received CBCT scans from 2014 to 2020. The patients were divided into those with a low obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) risk (STOP-Bang score<3) and those with an intermediate to high OSA risk (STOP-Bang score≥3), and their upper airway dimensions were then analysed on CBCT scans. Comparisons between the low-risk and intermediate/high-risk groups were conducted using the t-test and the Mann-Whitney test. Correlations between the total STOP-Bang score and upper airway dimension parameters were established using Spearman correlation coefficients. P values≤0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results: Intermediate/high-risk subjects were predominantly male and over 50 years of age, with a higher body mass index. They had significantly longer upper airways, smaller average airway volumes, and smaller widths and antero-posterior dimensions of the narrowest upper airway segment. The total upper airway length was positively correlated with the STOP-Bang score (r s= 0.278). The average volume (r s= -0.203) and width of the narrowest upper airway segment (r s= -0.305) were both negatively correlated with STOP-Bang scores.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the relationship between salivary statherin, calcium, and dental calculus among 70 subjects, aged 20-55 years. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on the calculus scores as interpreted by Calculus Index which was followed by collection of whole saliva using Super•SAL™. Salivary calcium levels were assessed by calorimetric method using Calcium Assay kit (Cayman Chemical, Michigan, USA) and statherin levels by using ELISA Kit (Cusabio Biotech).

RESULTS: Statherin levels showed a weak negative correlation with the calcium levels and with calculus formation. The mean salivary statherin and calcium concentration were found to be 0.96 μg/ml and 3.87 mg/ml, respectively. Salivary statherin levels differed significantly among the three groups (p < 0.05).

METHODS: A 24-item validated questionnaire including closed and open questions on the teaching of posterior composites was emailed to faculty members in all 13 Dental Schools in Malaysia. Responses were compiled on Excel and analysed.

RESULTS: All 13 dental schools responded to the survey yielding a 100 % response. All schools indicated the use of posterior composites for 2- and 3-surface cavities in premolars and molars. The didactic teaching time devoted to composites was greater than for amalgam (38 h vs 29 h). Clinically, most posterior restorations placed by students were composites (average 74.1 %, range 10 %-100 %); the remaining 25.9 % were amalgams (range, 0 %-50 %). Slot-type cavities were the preparation techniques most commonly taught (n = 11,84.6 %). The use of rubber dam for moisture control was mandatory in most schools (n = 11, 84.6 %). History of adverse reaction to composites was found to be the most common contraindication to composite placement. The phase down of teaching and use of amalgam in Malaysia is expected to occur within the next six years.

CONCLUSION: The trend to increase the teaching of posterior composites reported for other countries is confirmed by the findings from Malaysian dental schools. Notwithstanding this trend, the use of amalgam is still taught, and future studies are required to investigate the implications of the phase down of amalgam in favour of posterior composites.